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My Giving Helps: Campaign in full swing

MAINTAINING THE MGH MISSION: The My Giving Helps campaign features stories about MGH patients and members of the community who are supported by the MGH Fund and the United Way.

Throughout the month of September, MGH employees can support the MGH Fund, the United Way or both through the My Giving Helps: The MGH Fund + United Way Employee Campaign. One-time gifts or payroll pledges to the campaign support the MGH’s mission of improving the health and well-being of patients, their families and the community. The campaign goal is to encourage 3,000 employees to donate.

“My Giving Helps gives us the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a part of this incredible enterprise known as Mass General,” says pediatric nephrologist Avi Traum, MD, one of the employees featured in this year’s campaign. Work like his is supported by gifts to the MGH Fund.

Nurse educator Jennifer Spina, RN, is another featured employee whose work is directly affected by the campaign. Because of a collaboration with the MGH, Spina works out of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, a United Way-funded agency. She runs programs to educate children, teenagers and families about health issues and sees the impact of support for the United Way every day.

“Without partnerships like the one between Mass General and the United Way, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston would not be able to serve the children who need it most, helping them develop healthy behaviors they can bring into their adult lives,” says Spina.

With the campaign in full swing, there are many opportunities to get involved and show support. From now through Sept. 21, My Giving Helps “cake pops” will be available for $1.25 at Blossom Street Café, Coffee Central, Coffee South, Eat Street Café, Riverside Café, and Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans. All proceeds benefit the campaign. The next Blue & Orange Days – days when employees seen wearing the campaign colors are eligible to receive prizes – are Sept. 19 and 25. No blue and orange clothing? No problem. Blue and orange My Giving Helps silicone slap bracelets will be available outside the Eat Street Café Sept. 18 through 20 and Sept. 25 through 27 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

On Sept. 20, in collaboration with Human Resources, My Giving Helps will present the annual Star Performer employee singing competition from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the Bulfinch Tent. Six finalists will perform in front of a panel that includes Susan Barraclough, director of Nutrition and Food Services; Bill Banchiere, director of Environmental Services; and Shea Asfaw, chief of staff for Administration. The judges will comment on the performances, but MGHers will ultimately choose the winner with their votes.

The campaign co-chairs have agreed to pledge $1 for every vote received. The contest will open with a special performance from Kim Perez, a local teen who has benefited from Roca, a United Way-funded organization helping high-risk youth in Greater Boston. The event also will feature My Giving Helps giveaways and, of course, cake pops. To learn more about the campaign or make a donation, visit www.mygivinghelps.org.